The last time Raymore-Peculiar had a 3-7 season, the Panthers responded with a 10-win season and reached the Class 6 semifinals in 2019. 

If history repeats itself, the Panthers coach Sean Martin will have to have need some players to step in and fill some vacancies with a young team. 

“We have a strong tradition here and the team understands that it takes everyone on the team to make it work,” Martin said. “We will be a young team that should steadily improve over the season.”

However, having one of the best players in the state in DeZephen Walker is not a bad building block. 

He’s a 4-star recruit that holds 20 offers heading into the 2024 season and the junior will be the next standout in black-and-gold headed to a Division I program. The most recent offers have come from Tennessee, Miami, Auburn and Notre Dame. 

Last year, tight end Jaden Redell signed with Georgia and Jaidyn Doss went to Nebraska in 2022.

Walker (6-0, 205) ran for 671 yards and 5 touchdowns, hitting the 100-yard or more in four of his eight games last year.

“DeZephen Walker is ready to have a breakout season,” Martin said. “He is no longer a young kid and is ready to go.”

Walker is one of five starters back on offense for the Panthers, who is 29-17 under the guidance of Martin.

Senior tight end Danny LaValley (6-3, 235) is the top returning receiver for the Panthers with 4 catches for 60 yards but also had 112 pancake blocks. 

The top four pass catches, in terms of yards and receptions, all graduated.

Ray-Pec returns three offensive linemen — all seniors: tackle Caleb Hough (6-2, 250), guard Evan Vlasak (6-1, 235) and tackle Pierce Hazen (6-2, 275).

The other two projected starters on the line are sophomore guard Colton Myers (6-0, 215) and senior center Ryan King (6-3, 280).

Those guys will protect new quarterback Brooks Talley, a 6-foot-3, 175-pound senior. 

Also in the backfield is junior running back Donovan Guido (5-7, 140), who had 26 carries for 45 yards. 

Other weapons in the offense will be senior wide receiver Logan Mucha (6-2, 180) and junior tight end Lincoln Kephart (6-5, 205).

“We will rely on our ability to take what the defense gives us and make good decisions,” Martin said. “(We) must eliminate self-inflicted damage with penalties and turnovers.”

The defense returns six starters, headlined by senior strong safety Austin Robinson (6-1, 160). He is the top returning tackler from last year with 74 stops, 1 interception and one fumble recovery. 

Senior cornerback Terin Nickles (6-1, 180) is also back after having 19 tackles last year.

The linebacker group returns seniors Eyan Karr (5-9, 190) and Eli Cook (5-10, 180). Karr had 66 tackles and Cook recorded 62 tackles last year. 

The defensive line returns junior defensive tackle Tre Mackesty (5-10, 215) and junior defensive end Jaden Dean (6-1, 190).

Other projected starters upfront included senior Owen Shellhorn (5-10, 245), who will rotate between linebacker and defensive line and senior Dayton Tuck (5-10, 195) will be at defensive end.

There will be other sophomores that will likely start: linebacker Derick Perry (6-3, 195), cornerback Dale Clark (6-0, 155) and free safety CJ Mitchell (6-0, 165).

“We will need to rely on intelligence, quickness and experience,” Martin said. “We must limit big plays and get the turnovers when we have the opportunity.”

The Panthers will get tested with the rigors of the Suburban Conference Gold Division, in addition to playing Rockhurst. Three of the first five games are against Lee’s Summit North, Rockhurst and Liberty North — all Class 6 semifinalists in the past three years. 

“I am not sure you will find a much tougher schedule,” Martin said. “Our kids knew what the schedule was last December and have responded throughout the offseason and preseason. We are excited to see this young team come together. Our seniors have been outstanding. Looking at our schedule, with the teams we know we play each week, the kids understand that they will have to play together, work to eliminate mistakes and play for Ray-Pec.”